Greetings all. I’m here for the first of many DraftKings posts. And by ‘many’ I mean ‘once a week for 17 weeks’. Sounds daunting, I know. Wanna know what’s even more daunting? Trying to write this up two weeks in advance. Yes, you’re talking to August Sky when you comment on here. Well, it will really be September Sky in the comments but he’s commenting for August Sky from here. Do you know how hard it is to be split personalities based on months in the same post? The United States of Tara got nuthin on me! And why am I writing so far into the past you ask? Well, I have a few reasons…32 of’um to be exact. You see, I’m on the final leg of the #32in32in32 tour with Nick Capozzi starting on the 30th of August. That’s in Chicago and here’s me pointing at the spot on that sweet Razzball tour bus where Chicago is just in case regular maps confuse you. I won’t be home until after the first game of the year so I’m thinking ahead and getting the goods to you in a reasonable amount of time, ya dig? So apologies in advance if my info seems more dated than my cultural references. I’m doing my best! But now that we have that covered, let’s go even further into the past. Here’s my Pump & Primer post from earlier this August. It’s a great stop for those of you who are wondering just what the heck this DraftKings business is. BTW, you’ll notice I keep giving you a hyperlink for DraftKings…see I did it again! That’s your ticket to the $100,000 play action tournament care of Razzball if you’re a first time DK’er. And by clicking on that link and signing up through us, you let DK know that we sent you which lets them know we like them. It’s like Valentine’s Day and we’re secret DK admirers and you’re the box of chocolates we’re sending with a note attached saying ‘I wanna make sweet, sweet love to you down by the fire on a polar bearskin rug’. So it’s a win, win situation. Minus the staples you got from the attached note. Sorry about that, we’ll use tape next time. But you’ve already got a DK account, you say, but want something tempting from this post? Well how about Razzball’s 20 Team Week 1 DK Challenge? I reserved my seat back in August, where have you been? But of course, now that we’ve covered the pimping, let’s get to the playing and namely, playing against a bad defense. You see, the Cowboys were easily one of the worst defenses last year. I know, I know, don’t hang your hat on last year’s stats. But what did the Cowboys do to improve? By getting rid of DeMarcus Ware? Last time I checked, losing your best defensive player doesn’t improve your squad. This team is a mess and Jerry Jones is out there doing bathroom selfies in lewd ways to try and forget that he owns it. Speaking of owning, that’s what Colin Kaepernickwill do come Sunday. Though I’m not the biggest Kaep guy for the year, I do think this matchup is for him to go hog-wild in given the set up. Colin finishing the day with 30+ points wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest and he’s not even priced in the top five QBs for the day. By the end of the day, Colin will have you saying ‘Oh Kaep-tain, my Kaep-tain, our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won’. And not to get all sappy on you but yes, that’s my Robin Williams shout out. Gonna miss you, Mork. Now on with the week one picks for DraftKings contests for 2014 Fantasy Football…

Shaun Hill, QB: $5,000 – So you want a cheaper option than Colin I see. Well how about an over the hill Shaun? Ew, you just threw up and I can smell it. You have spaghetti-o’s for dinner or something? That was nasty. Here’s a little known fun fact about Hill: he’s not that bad for fantasy. Not here to talk about how he looks, I’m just talking numbers, baby. Speaking of numbers, did the Vikings do enough this off-season to shore up the worst secondary in the NFL? Maybe they’ve improved but week 1 at home for a QB with retooled weapons surrounding him is a good gamble if you don’t wanna spend at QB. In all fairness, he might actually be overhyped as a tourney play by the time this comes out. For that reason, I have some extra options for ya below.

Andrew Luck, QB: $8,300 – Priced well and the QB playing the underdog in a game that Vegas has a line of o/u 55 1/2 on? Sign. Me. Up. He’s priced a little higher than our Kaep-tain but he’ll be worth every penny. But for tourney plays, he’ll probably be higher owned than even Peyton will be so consider him a cash game only play.

Geno Smith, QB: $6,500 – I’m giving you highs and lows, gals and bros. The Raiders are still bad. Everyone knows this. But is Geno any good? Well, it’s hard to say. What I can say is he’s at home and you’ll notice me touting one of his targets later so in tourneys I wouldn’t hate being a part of the QB Geno(me) project.

Dexter McCluster, RB: $3,000 – In every redraft league I’ve been in, McCluster has found a way onto my roster. Week One he gets his old team. The team that couldn’t find a way to use him and then went out and drafted his clone in De’Anthony Thomas. Who’s basically just refilling his role there. Revenge game anyone? Oh and why have I been drafting him everywhere? Let my boy Ken Whisenhunt show you the way. I shall call him ‘Dexty McWoodheadster’.

LeSean McCoy, RB: $8,400 – Here I’ll take the RB on a team that is a 10 1/2 point favorite for grind down carries and stats, thank you very much. It IS a gamble knowing the game could be decided at half-time and Chris Polk is doing the TD polka thrice in the end zone instead of Shady, but McCoy is my boy if I’m spending up at RB.

Frank Gore, RB: $5,200 – If you’re not agreeing with my Kaep call, you’ll still want a piece of this SF offense. (Insert Team Name Here) Does Dallas will be a recurring porn theme here for DraftKings content.

DeMarco Murray, RB: $6,800 – The 49ers defense is dealing with some major injury issues on the D side this year. Now I am only suggesting DeMarco because I don’t think week one many people will be on Dallas players and will probably get the fade action but I do think Dallas keeps pace, leaving Murray a chance to shine. No promises here but there’s merit in being a tourney contrarian. Consider Dez Bryant to be a part of this idea as well.

Kenny Britt, WR: $4,000 – If I’m gonna suggest Hill, I gotta give you a possible WR pairing, no? This is the year we decide if we have a Britt-ish invasion on our hands or if he will forever and always be Kenny Brittle. I’m leaning towards Herman’s Hermits…wait, what?

Eric Decker, WR: $5,200 – The debate rages on whether or not Decker was Manning made or a self-made man. I tend to lean towards the latter and think he’ll enjoy being the #1 option for the Jets this year. Plus, Mark Davis. Never underestimate dat hair factor.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR: $4,800 – Not a huge fan of him in redraft but hey, I’ll take a Peyton receiver who’s priced under $5K any day of the week and twice on a Moosday and I don’t even know what a Moosday is or where that phrase came from.

Michael Crabtree, WR: $6,100 – Kap gotta throw to someone and that someone is probably Crabtree. If he finishes the week as a WR1, color me not surprised. In fact, don’t color me at all. I have sensitive skin, do you know how much damage that could do to it?

Zach Ertz, TE: $4,100 – There’s always Orange Julius or Graham Cracker Crunch, but for the money I’ll take a guy whom I think will play a large redzone role for the Eagles this year. Want a cheap ride to the end zone? Try Ertz Rent-A-TE. He’ll pick you up!

Pittsburgh Steelers, DST: $3,900 – In what is expected to be a relatively low-scoring affair, the Steelers are being pushed as a six point favorite. Count me in.

New York Jets, DST: $3,900 – See 1/8th of an inch above, change the six point favorite to 4 1/2, add in that Mark Davis‘ little boy bowl cut again and presto, logic still applies! Serious question: if you were a Raiders fan, how happy would you be if they just took the team to LA at this point?

@barker: I’m not as high on those two QBs this year as others but like to see Tannehill on your bench. If they go off, you’re set well at TE/WR. I’d be in line to drop Hartline. I like him in PPR, but he has a pretty low ceiling.

Oh this is my team in a 12 team 3 WR PPR league…
Brees
Brandon Marshall
Cruz
Maclin
Ryan Matthews
Reggie Bush
Rudolph
Ray Rice
Phil Dawson
streaming a Defense
Fred Jackson
Woodhead
McFadden
Hillman
Boykin
Nicks
Mike Williams
What do you think?? I had 11th pick and I feel like I messed up on a couple good rounds but…

@Frank White: This is more of a ‘those aren’t my guys this year’ take. I’m down on Bush and Mathews so for me, someone will have to pop on your bench or you get in on a good set of FA RBs to make it all effective. I’m assuming you took Brees in the 1st, which dramatically changes the approach to the rest of the draft. It makes it a team that I think might struggle without some key FA pickups or some of your bench guys going off. To be determined, though. Wish you the best of luck, my man!

I grabbed Marshall first but I was the 11th pick out of 12.. I know my running sucks but on my 2nd pick I would’ve had to go way down the list for a LeVeon Bell or something cause the guy after me grabbed Lynch.. I’m trying to trade Rice and Hillman for zac Stacy or instead of Rice the Bush n Hillman cause he has Montee Ball.. If he asks for Cruz or Maclin would you do that for Stacy or Ball??

@Frank White: Gotcha. Yeah, I like Marshall but at the 11, I’m curious who was available. Haven’t seen him go in the 1st round this year. Not saying it’s a bad pick, but wonder if a guy like Julio Jones was still available. Marsh will be great for PPR, just would’ve wanted more upside. Anyways, me nitpicking.

What I’m saying about RB is if you’re not taking one in the first two rounds, you should probably hit the snooze button until round 5 or on. Take a Joique Bell/Vereen and pad it out with late guys like Hill or whatnot. You got caught in the middle grounds of RB, not a place I’d want to be drafting guys.

You can’t afford Cruz or Maclin because your WR depth is a bit loose. You’ll need to make it a 2 for 1 RB move if you want to improve.

Man your hitting me hard… Lol At least Bush, Matthews and Rice are #1 backs though and with PPR but I hear ya cause they got good backups that can take TD’s. 12 team doesn’t really leave you with much at times but I love Marshall.. He’s theyre Number 1 WR and not too many other great Wide outs with him where Julio got Roddy White.. Anyway thanks for honesty

Sorry man, not sure I agree with your Rice/Mathews calls. That’s all. Like I said, this was a ‘not my guys’ kinda thing. Not saying I don’t like B-Marsh but I’d still want Julio over them. Either way, you know I’m rooting for ya, even if it means I’m wrong!

@Barker: Though I throw out Yahoo grades, my concern with this team is wide receiver and QB. I’m not sure about Newton being a top 10 QB this year. Just my take. I also think your WRs are going to struggle to compete with other teams because you went RB/RB/RB. I like Crabs and Harvin, but would prefer them at the highest to be my 2nd WR off the board. Do like your Tim Wright pick up. Think he is the leading receiver behind Gronk for the Pats this year. In the end, though, the three RB in a row might hamper you a bit this year.

@KK: Will need Sanders to slide up to WR2 level to make those WRs work out. Don’t hate Edelman, but he won’t win you a week. I do worry about Bernard getting a lot of totes so I’m glad to see you got Hill. It’s not a bad looking team at all. Assuming you start 3 WR, 2 RB and have a flex. Maybe I’m mistaken.

It’s crazy but you never know what will happen on draft day. AP fell to me at the 9th spot because QBs (Manning, Brees, Rodgers, Brady) were drafted in the top 6. Then CJ and D. Thomas followed by J. Charles at the 8th. What do you think of my team? In this league format I traditionally draft stationary QBs such as Romo, Matty Ice or Brady. But they were flying off the boards while I filled up my WR/RB spots.

This league with 6 points per passing and not giving the typical 1 point per 10 rush/rec yards has set itself up to be a passing league. As if the NFL hasn’t done enough of that already…that would explain the drop in skill players, especially in standard. I would’ve wanted a more customary pocket QB in this set up than Kap, though San Fran will have to throw with that defense such a mess so maybe that works out well for you. Really like your starting WRs. Depth is decent, Jennings could pay dividends. The RBs after AP are alright. Like Bell more in PPR settings than regular but if Bush goes down for any amount of time, he’ll be a solid RB2. Overall, it’s a good looking team but your league is set up to cater to a great pocket QB and I don’t know if Kap is that. Hopefully he is for you, though!

@Hans: RB is a bit of a worry for me. Don’t think Mathews performs up to his ADP this year. Hopefully Hill takes on a bigger role than people are expecting and that balances out. Unless forced to, I don’t see the reason for a backup TE or a QB even in a 14 teamer. Just a preference, always like stocking up on skill players at RB/WR on my bench. Maybe I’m missing something but 2 ‘Mathews’? Not sure who your bench Mathews is. In either case, team looks very solid. If Brown can repeat and White bounces back to low WR1/high WR2, you’re golden.

I’m surprised you got the WRs you did while getting Forte and Murray and Brees. That’s a really nice starting 6 there. Not as high on Rudolph as others but that can be streamed or fixed in season via trade or surprise breakout. Any chance Tim Wright is still available? Overall, I like this team. Has solid depth. Minor quibble is you drafting a backup QB. No week you’re not starting Brees minus his bye week. Use that spot to pick up a high upside skill player. Good looking team, should be competitive. I’m a Maclin believer so you’re fine in my book.

@Sky: thanks for the feed back, forte, murray and brees were keepers along with jeffry, took cobb in the first round (really round after the keepers got slotted), tim wright is long gone, i got rivers real late in the draft and there wasnt much better in skill position terms, figured i hold time till week 6 as a legit fill in and then trade him, or even trade him earlier if injuries happen, glad your high on maclin puts my mind to rest a bit

@mcblunty: Ah, there’s just a different philosophy rub. There’s always a talented skill position player you can draft as a flier. I’d put money a guy like Kearse was still out there. It’s gonna take a major issue in that size of league to require a QB trade but that’s just my take. Def like Maclin. All about volume, baby.

I’m in a league where I took McCoy #1 overall. I have some late round flyers at RB that I took for upside/depth. My question is, I’m considering dropping someone like C. Hyde on SF to pick up Polk so I have McCoy’s handcuff. Any reason this would be stupid?

Hyde could be the leading rusher for that team this year if Gore finally goes over the cliff. Please tell me you have a better guy to dump if you’re doing it. It’s not a terrible idea, but handcuffing I only do with early drafts in case of pre-season injuries. I want my bench to have impact players who could change the game in the first few weeks. Don’t think Polk is that without significant help.

@Sky: Davanta Freeman? Lamar Miller? I’m normally with you on handcuffs. I see all of these guys as needing an injury ahead of them to be usefull (some more than others). I just only get nervous if I take a RB really high like I did with McCoy. I feel like I need to kind of “protect my investment” a bit, ya dig?

If all you’re doing is holding onto this year’s Bernard Pierce, you’re not doing yourself any favors, though. I hear what you’re saying, just don’t think Polk is that good. I want talent on my team, not a life insurance policy. Can drop Miller for him, Moreno is the starter.

Pretty crazy you got Lacy and DT. Haven’t seen either go outside the top 10 unless you drafted from the 10 spot, they somehow fell to you and you got them at the turn. Good for you if that’s the case. Like your WR depth and with Moreno starting, your RBs look even better. Very solid looking team, should be competitive.

Considering how underwhelming T Y Hilton has been in outdoor stadiums, should I keep him at FLEX or go with Golden Tate? Other options are Kelvin Benjamin, Carlos Hyde and Trent Richardson. This is a 10 team standard league.

1) Very solid squad overall. Wish your league set up allowed for more players to start, though. Takes away some of the luck factor. Good bench RB upside and like seeing Cooks on your bench. Kid looks like he’s gonna be a star. Only main thing I’d say is that since you don’t have to start a TE, drafting Jordan was unnecessary. Could’ve taken another WR

14 Team Non PPR. What are your thoughts on Kearse in Seattle? I dropped him last night as my WR depth and picked up Caldwell (I have Lattimer too and hedging). But I think I may pick him back up once the Denver WR3 situation shakes out in week 1.

Not bad for a n00b. Would’ve liked to see more upside at WR on your bench that didn’t have Manuel throwing to it but like the team overall. QB-Julio are solid. CJ?K will be an interesting pick. I’d keep my eye on TEs that are going late if Dennis Pitta falters as a viable option. Any chance Tim Wright is available? I’d drop a backup QB for him. Like the team overall, though.

Also, who do you like in the flex this week – Fjax (@CHI), Bell (vs NYG), Golden Tate (vs NYG), Pierre (@ATL)? I’m thinking of maybe even putting Tate in for Wallace as the WR3 for this week because Wallace plays Revis.

Surprised you got Forte/Ellington/DT in a 2 QB league and still managed Cutler. Not huge on Wallace so your Tate call isn’t bad. Might need to trade from strength to improve your WRs but it’s a solid looking squad. I’d give Bell the ball there.

I picked 7th to get lacy and D Thomas
Calvin,manning and Brees went ahead of me in first round..came back with D Thomas and Jeffrey in 3rd rd
Picked keenan Allen over Ellington in 4th…could have been mistake…
Thinking I trade keenan Allen w Cameron to try and get Julius Thomas…
Lots of WR depth out there

@Steve: Cool. Not huge on Allen this year but do think Ellington is a tad overrated. Already hit you up with an answer to your other question. Try responding to your own thread so these comments don’t get jumbled up. Quite the slog trying to find your original roster and then come back down here to answer. Thanks!

Jay is the man this year. My understanding is it will be a weekly rankings on Thursday like last year but you’d have to hit him up for that info.

PPR or non? I think you need better WRs overall to compete. Game has changed, it’s a pass first league. Though if Matthews goes off, you’re in a good spot. But overall, your WR depth concerns me. Also, no need for a backup QB. San Fran def is really banged up right now. Don’t think they’re worth the price you got them at nor is taking a DEF or a K in rounds 10/11 really advisable. I hate being a downer, man, but you left yourself a little lacking at the skill positions because of those last two picks. Like Sproles. If he goes off, I’d see if I could move him for a WR upgrade. I think you’ll wanna work waivers hard the first couple of weeks for WR upgrades.

12 team 1pt PPR… if you had Olsen at TE would you have Kelce on your bench like I do (I just have a feeling?), or use that slot for Latimer pickup? Then play Latimer over Cecil Shorts, Sproles, or Hartline in my flex?

PS: I’m in the DraftKings Razzball league. Kind of looking forward to this DraftKings stuff. I’m at a decade+ of playing fantasy football / baseball in earnest, and seems like i needed something fresh.

@CL: Like the Kelce pickup. I’d hold him. Olsen has a pretty established ceiling. Don’t think you have a breakout guy there.

I’d play Sproles week 1 over those guys.

Awesome about the DK league! Glad to have you. It’s great fun. Some get serious into it, some just like throwing a few clams here and there into the fray for a little bragging rights. Lots of fun in my book

@Dave: WR worries me a little bit. Like Brown but there’s not a big WR1 there for me. I haven’t found myself with two RBs that early for that reason. If JC slipped to 5th spot, though, sounds like you were playing guys of a similar mindset. Hopefully one of Terrance/Cordarrelle/Latimer go off. Outside of that, no major quibbles other than draft philosophy: 10 team, get as much skill position talent as possible so no backup QBs for me (unless of course that’s a roster restriction). I like Reed week 1. Think he’ll get plenty of targets. Ertz will be a boom/bust guy week to week. Think he’ll be a great RZ target, just not sure he’ll get consistent touches outside of that.

@Oppo Taco: Worried about your WR a bit. I’ve seen most guys who go TE/RB early struggle similarly, at least from a valuation standpoint. You’re gonna need someone from your bench to pop off to fill that RB2 role. Don’t think Pierce is that good of a player overall. Hopefully he takes the opportunity and runs with it for you, though. Could see this team struggle a bit unless a guy like Torrey takes a huge leap forward and some injuries occur at RB. Do like the upside of your RBs on your bench, though. Dunbar should be a PPR monster this year.

I see that your ranks are a bit different than Jay’s(i guess we will see how it plays out!), but I’m interested on what you think I can do to improve my team. I grabbed spiller in Round 6 so that is why he is my RB2. I also think I need to help my WR3. Hopefully, one of my bench players blow up this year.

@Ryan: ha, just a DK thang, not a rankings thing. Week to week, my friend. Sorry for the late hit, was with Nick in the #32in32in32 van.

It’s not a team that I’d make but that’s not a bad thing. I like Spiller at the value you got him at. Though I think I see Mathews on your bench. I’m assuming that’s why Keenan is your WR2. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not my guy. Give me a list of upside players on your FA? I like the team overall, but it’s just not a lot of guys I would draft. Nice Kelce pickup. If both your TEs outperform, try and package one with a WR for that upgrade.

@Bob: sorry for the late response. Was on radio.razzball.com #32in32in32 tour. Now have time to respond:

Would’ve liked two top end WRs in your league setup but at the same time, Graham is basically a WR1 in disguise. Like your Maclin/Decker pick up. think they’ll outperform Andre this year. Good looking team but like any 10 team league, you’re gonna have to stay active on waivers.